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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.4
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon29
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Kerhonkson

Avatar for GMZ Contracting LLC
GMZ Contracting LLC
4.9(
9
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Kerhonkson, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Overall I was very happy with Frank and his team from GMZ Contracting. They showed up when they were supposed to, were friendly and respectful and did beautiful work. They installed knotty pine in my bedroom and did the flooring for the upstairs bedroom."
Avatar for CLC Landscape & Construction
CLC Landscape & Construction
5.0(
2
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Kerhonkson, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Excellent communication! Provided an estimate within a day of contact. Once the estimate was approved CLC immediately scheduled the work. CLC arrived as scheduled, and performed outstanding work for a reasonable price. I recommend CLC Landscaping!!"
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Arbor Edge
Arbor Edge
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Kerhonkson, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We invite you to experience a tradition of customer satisfaction that will exceed your greatest expectations. Our professionalism and quality workmanship will accurately reflect your taste and lifestyle. From conception to completion, we work with you until the job is done. We are ethical, honest, and easy to communicate with. \n\nCall us today you'll be pleased you did. Thank you!\n

15 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables. 

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

Landscape edging is more DIYable than trenching. You can DIY your own digging projects, but proceed carefully and only with proper knowledge of the equipment and appropriate safety measures in place. Keep in mind the project's scope and estimate how long it will take you to do it on your own. While you can certainly save money by DIYing home improvement projects, you can’t exactly hide an unfinished—or worse, ruined— landscaping job from the neighbors. It’s always safer to call an excavation pro near you to get an estimate.

The Kerhonkson, NY homeowners’ guide to excavation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.